Black theatre is a type of theatre that involved black actors, directors, and composers. Ever since the 1700s, black people have been involved in American theatre because slaves often performed. These performances were a positive way to cope through the injustices of racism in America at the time. Eventually, these performances have evolved over time. Eventually, black musicals started to grow in popularity, especially once they started hitting Broadway. Soon, a point called the “Harlem Renaissance” when theatre thrived in Harlem after the Civil War. Often, racial issues were addressed in black theatre to increase the acknowledgement of racial injustices. During the depression, the production of black plays have decreased due to the lack of funding during this time period. After this period, performances started to appear with a heavy emphasis on religion. Eventually, many universities started incorporating black theatre training and playwrighting in the mid 1900s. As time passed, there was a black arts movement to help increase awareness of plays and the need for diverse art. Some popular plays include Wedding Band by Alice Childress. This play addresses the complications of an interracial relationship and the racism that comes with being in one.
Black theatre is a type of theatre that involved black actors, directors, and composers. Ever since the 1700s, black people have been involved in American theatre because slaves often performed. These performances were a positive way to cope through the injustices of racism in America at the time. Eventually, these performances have evolved over time. Eventually, black musicals started to grow in popularity, especially once they started hitting Broadway. Soon, a point called the “Harlem Renaissance” when theatre thrived in Harlem after the Civil War. Often, racial issues were addressed in black theatre to increase the acknowledgement of racial injustices. During the depression, the production of black plays have decreased due to the lack of funding during this time period. After this period, performances started to appear with a heavy emphasis on religion. Eventually, many universities started incorporating black theatre training and playwrighting in the mid 1900s. As time passed, there was a black arts movement to help increase awareness of plays and the need for diverse art. Some popular plays include Wedding Band by Alice Childress. This play addresses the complications of an interracial relationship and the racism that comes with being in one.